2011 NFL Free Agency: 5 Undrafted Players the Washington Redskins Should Sign

Now that the 2011 NFL Draft is done, the entire league is back on hold in a stagnating pattern as the lock out resumes.

Despite the fact the Redskins worked 12 picks out of the draft, there are still positions to upgrade and fill on the roster. Some of these roster spots can be filled with undrafted players.

Many players go undrafted these days because the NFL only has seven rounds to pick from these days. Yet, even with the days where drafts went 20 rounds deep, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has several inductees who were never drafted.

Here are five players that went undrafted and could still possibly help the Redskins out in 2011.


Willie Smith, Offensive Tackle, East Carolina


A good athlete who started out on defense in college, Smith is 6'5" 310. His team was run-oriented in the beginning of his career, then went pass-crazy in his last season.

Smith can mash, and he did show promise in pass protection. He also plays with a nasty streak, which should further the Redskins interest in him.

He needs work, but Smith is a guy who could play guard or tackle for many years. Even if he's no more than a reserve, Smith offers Washington needed depth.







John Graves, Defensive Lineman, Virginia Tech


Graves is a hard worker and a plus to have in a locker room. He is a run stuffer but, at 6'3" 286, he could use more bulk. Yet he has the frame to hold it.

He isn't much of a pass rusher, and a project. It will not hurt bringing him in camp and see if he can stick on special teams and develop.





Mark Herzlich, Linebacker, Boston College


It was a bit a shocker this kid went undrafted. A cancer survivor, he was one of the top collegiate linebackers before being sidelined to fight cancer.

He is a leader who works as hard as he can every play. He can run well enough to cover tight ends and running backs in the pass as well.

Though his return to football as a senior saw a decline in production, there is no doubt Herzlich is working out every day to get back to where he once was. While he might need some refinement on his tackling technique, the kid has good burst and closes out plays with fire.

The Skins are terribly thin at linebacker, so calling this kid the moment the lock out ends should be a priority. His best position may be inside linebacker, though he has the athleticism and versatility to line up on the outside as well.

The quality depth Herzlich could provide immediately should be reason enough.






Kyle Forbath, Kicker, UCLA


Graham Gano was too inconsistent in 2010, so getting competition in camp is a must. The 2009 Lou Groza Award winner, his leg converted 10 of 13 kicks over 50 yards in his career.

His career field goal percentage was 84.1, something the Redskins could use big time.






Chas Henry, Punter, Florida University


It seems like the Redskins haven't had a great punter since the days of Mike Bragg. Henry, who never had a punt blocked in college, can also kick off.

He won the Ray Guy Award in 2010 and has a propensity of dropping punts inside of the 20-yard line with 68 of 165 career punts having done so.

Henry is certainly a guy Washington should bring into camp for a tryout.




Others To Consider :


Why not bring in a few running backs into camp. Wisconsin's John Clay and Virginia Tech's Darren Evans went undrafted, but both run hard between the tackles and can block.

They might not make the team, but both have the ability to beat sixth-round pick Evan Royster out for a job.



Bringing in a ton of linebackers would be smart. They only need to look a few miles up the road to ask Maryland Terrapins Alex Wujciak or Adrian Moten to try out.

Moten would be the type to help on special teams, and he is smart with good leadership abilities. He might add depth at outside linebacker also.

Wujciak was a tackling machine in college, racking up 381 on his career. While the knock on him is a lack of athleticism, he was always around the ball for the Terps.

He is an inside linebacker who might help the team for two downs before coming out on pass plays. Think Neil Olkewicz.



Yet there are also two other linebackers to consider. Scott Lutris started all four years for the Connecticut Huskies and had 341 tackles despite missing time because of injuries.

He is a type of player who could be a starter as a strong side linebacker because he is smart and is always around the ball. Lutris needs to improve his pass coverage ability, but he does have enough speed to cover a tight end or running back.

It seems his injury history kept him undrafted, so the Redskins should try to bring him into camp.



Many scouts liked the hard-nosed run stopping ability of Central Michigan University's Nick Bellore. While he isn't fast or athletic, Bellore never quits on a play and excels at stopping the run.

Some scouts had him a mid-round prospect, so it wouldn't hurt Washington to bring him into camp.

Washington Redskins 2011 NFL Mock Draft

10. Robert Quinn, DE/ OLB, North Carolina


Quinn came into the draft with a past of character issues and a benign brain tumor. He started crawling up the draft board at the combine and shot up even higher after his pro day.

Linebacker is one position the Redskins are woefully thin at, and their leader will be 36 years old if the 2011 season goes on as scheduled.

London Fletcher will be asked to possibly plug the middle of a defense with unproven Perry Riley since Rocky McIntosh is an unrestricted free agent. Andre Carter has been released, though he never really did fit in the defensive scheme as an outside linebacker. Defensive end in a 4-3 is his best position, yet his departure opens the slot for Quinn.

Quinn is a lot like Redskins Pro Bowler Brian Orakpo in that he can get after the quarterback and has some ability to play defensive end. He adds options off the edge and is also athletic enough to improve upon his pass defense, an area Orakpo has also been trying to improve on. Neither is really stout against the run, but their athleticism and first step are exceptional.

With the Redskins' "Amoeba" defense, which is run by ex-NFL Pro Bowl linebacker and current defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, Quinn offers flexibility and options.

Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley could slip to the Redskins, but the Tennessee Titans have a defensive line coach who could prevent this from happening. Tracy Rocker is an ex-Redskin who is the first person in SEC history to win both the Outland and Lombardi Awards in the same year. He coached Fairley in college, so Tennessee has a good chance of grabbing the defensive tackle here.

It is possible that Washington will try to improve the offense by drafting a quarterback, especially since that is Shanahan's area of expertise. Jake Locker might be too tempting to pass up.

Prince Nakamura is a cornerback with a lot of upside to him. Starter Carlos Rogers and his backup, Phillip Buchanon, are unrestricted free agents. Both are older players too, so now might be the best time to get someone groomed.

Buchanon has been erratic at best, but Kevin Barnes has shown little since being drafted in 2009. Most of what Barnes has given the team came from the safety position so far.

Nnamdi Asomugha may get a look since Redskins owner Dan Snyder likes to make a big splash in the free agency market and Asomugha is the best player available.

If Washington ignores the cornerback position in the first round, then getting more linebackers is a good direction, especially if they lose the versatile McIntosh and DE/OLB Chris Wilson in the free agency market.

Plus the thought of Orakpo and Quinn coming off the edge brings images of havoc-wreaking play for a defense looking to turn over the ball more.





41. Torrey Smith, Wide Receiver, Maryland University


Even if the Redskins bring back free agent Santana Moss, Washington needs help at receiver.

The Vinny Cerrato Era saw Washington strike out in their attempts to draft players with Malcolm Kelly spending his time on the bench and Devin Thomas now with the New York Giants.

Smith is a player who can make the big play. He has excellent speed and is a hard worker who has improved his game each year in college.

Smith has all the makings of being a starter in the NFL. The one area he needs work in is his route-running, but he loves to block. He is also a great return specialist, an area in which the Redskins need a lot of help. If Moss returns, Washington could bring Smith along as a third receiver and have him return kicks.

Phil Taylor is a nose tackle who could possibly fit here. If he's available, Washington should think about grabbing the big man. A 3-4 defense is generally only as good as the nose tackle, and the Redskins really have no one special at this position.

Taylor is a mammoth man with incredible strength. While he has better speed than expected for a man his size, Taylor does have durability concerns and had a tendency to give up on plays during his collegiate career. He also had character issues early in his college career.

It is highly doubtful Taylor lasts long in the second round, and there is a chance he could go earlier. Even if Taylor turns out to be just a plugger, it is an upgrade over what the Redskins have right now.

But Torrey Smith has the ability to be special..He also went to nearby Maryland University where the Redskins have gotten some good players the last few seasons.






144. Will Hill, Free Safety, Florida University


This is Washington's first pick in three rounds, so it has to count.

Kevin Barnes was forced to play free safety last year when injuries destroyed the Redskins' already-dubious secondary, so Hill adds much needed depth.

Hill is extremely raw, but is an exceptional athlete. He has good size and speed for the position, but will need a lot of time in the film room to develop the next year. Until then, he will help a lot of special teams.

Though he is physical run-defender, consistency has been his issue. He needs to improve his read/reaction time, thus the need for more time in the classroom. He closes in on plays fast and has good hands.

If he puts in the work, Hill could be a productive starter because he has all the necessary physical tools.

With very few safety prospects at this position, probably the weakest in an already-mediocre draft, Washington grabbing Hill here would be a good move.






155. Marcus Gilbert, Offensive Tackle, Florida University


Gilbert has good size (6'6", 330 pounds) and is a good athlete who faced top-flight opponents at Florida.

He is a mauler who excels at run-blocking, but needs work at pass protection. He is not quick or really athletic, and will need to refine his footwork, but he is versatile enough to play guard.

Veteran Jammal Brown is an unrestricted free agent who dealt with nagging injuries in 2010. Even if Washington brings Brown back to man the right tackle position, they need depth there and at guard.

Gilbert has the ability to be an NFL right tackle. Some think he can play guard in the NFL too, so that type of swing-man is always needed on every roster.






213. Taylor Potts, Quarterback, Texas Tech


At 6'4", Potts has good size for the position and offers Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan a quarterback to groom.

He stood out at the NFLPA game, but still has work to put in; footwork and getting rid of the ball faster are the two biggest areas.

He comes from Texas Tech, a school that loves to toss the ball. He needs to show he can take a snap under center and be effective though. Potts has shown good arm strength, but is a project at this point.





224. Da'Rel Scott, Running Back, Maryland University


Washington needs running backs in camp to push the unproven position. Scott comes from their own backyard having played at Maryland University.

Scott is a tough player known to play through pain, but he does have a past with injury concerns. He displays good moves and vision with the ball. Maryland did not throw him the ball much, but he had soft hands when given an opportunity.

Scott could add depth while helping on special teams, but will have to have an excellent training camp to supplant the veterans in front of him.







253. Blaine Sumner, Nose Tackle, Colorado School of Mines

Sumner comes from a small school called Colorado School of Mines, so the level of opponents he has faced is questionable. But he is 6'1", 335 pounds and very strong, which has the nose tackle position beckoning him.

There are very few nose tackle prospects in the 2011 draft, so Washington might not want to risk trying to sign him as a free agent because he will get offers.

Sumner is a power-lifter who set a combine record with 52 reps at the bench-press. Redskins defensive line coach Jacob Burney will need to put extra work into this kid though because Sumner is not a great athlete.

He is a three-year starter who shows good awareness, despite being very raw. With his awesome strength, the Redskins should take a flier on Sumner.

A Chat With Edwin Williams Of The Washington Redskins

Edwin Williams is an undrafted rookie attempting to make the roster of the 2009 Washington Redskins. Williams was eyed by the Redskins since before the draft, so he has an excellent chance on helping the Redskins for many years to come.

Edwin was born and raised in the Washington D.C. He is very family-oriented, and is religious. His journey to the Redskins almost never happened, because basketball used to be his first love.

He attended DeMatha High School. Though the program has a rich history on the gridiron, the school is known throughout the world for having a top-notch basketball program. Edwin joined the freshman football team, and began to see his potential in the sport.

Williams began to work really hard at his game in his sophomore year. Dematha’s head football coach Bill McGregor asked Edwin to quit basketball in order to concentrate on football full-time.

Weighing 255 pounds then, Edwin then put on an additional forty pounds of weight from his junior year to his senior year. By then, he was getting offers from dozens of colleges across the country.

Edwin chose to go to college at the University of Maryland. The Terrapin were a team already full of pro prospects. Men like Jared Gaither, Andrew Crummey, and fellow Redskin Stephon Heyer all are in the NFL right now, as are several Terrapin linemen from years past.

After redshirting his freshman year, Edwin got in on 10 games his first year at Maryland by splitting time with the starter Ryan McDonald. He earned the starting job as a sophomore, and started 39 consecutive games until he graduated with honors.

He was a two time Academic All American, and a recipient of the 2008 Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Recognition Award.


When did you first start getting interested in football?

Edwin : “I was always a big kid. Bigger than most my age. My dad tried to get me to play Pee Wee football as a kid, but the coaches said I had to play with others much older than me because of my size. I didn’t play again until high school.”



What made you try out then?

Edwin : “Most of my friends played, and I was bigger and stronger than most. I went to DeMatha to play basketball. I figured if I got cut or hurt in my freshman year, I would never play again.”


Did you grow up a fan of the Redskins?

Edwin : “Yes I did. I followed them, and knew of ‘The Hogs’, and all of the Super Bowl wins they had.”


When were you first aware the Redskins were interested in you?

Edwin : “I hadn’t really been following the 2009 NFL Draft, but then several teams started calling me around the fourth round of the draft. The Redskins called me somewhere in the fifth or sixth round and told me to watch the draft, so I did.”


What is it like to be a member of the Redskins family right now?

“It is a dream come true for me, having been a fan of the team. I am so impressed by the team and their coaches. I have a lot of work to do, in order to get better, but I feel I am on the right team.”



Two of your college teammates, Stephon Heyer and Kevin Barnes, are Redskins. What is this like? Could any of you envisioned this happening?

Edwin : “No, we never could have foreseen this ever. It is really a great happening, especially with Stephon. Not only do we have the same agent, but he is a mentor of mine. In college, he used to always give me pointers and insights with technique. He is really smart, a leader, and an excellent teacher. He knows a lot more than many people realize.”


How does it feel knowing you get to learn from Joe Bugel, one of the best offensive line coaches in NFL history?

Edwin : I first met him at the combine. I was stunned, because I knew who he was and what he has achieved. He took time out to tell me he was impressed with me at the combine, and that meant a lot. Knowing that I will be learning from him is fantastic!”


What have you learned about the veteran offensive linemen in practice thus far?

Edwin : “Not only are they extraordinary athletes, but they are also ordinary men. I understand people tend to put them on a pedestal. I know how great Chris Cooley, Chris Samuels, Randy Thomas, and Jon Jansen are as players. I have known about Jansen since I was in middle school.

What I have come to realize is that they are family men, and they are doing their very best to provide for their loved ones. They are also very kind, and have given me pointers in camp. As a unit, they are flawless, and are the best guys on and off the field as individuals.”


How has camp gone so far for you?

Edwin : I am happy, and even have put in more reps than I expected. It feels great when Vinny Cerrato comes up to me and says I’m doing well. I know I have a lot more to learn, so I have to continue always giving my all every moment I can.”


What have you learned thus far about the Redskins offensive system?

Edwin : “They run a similar system to what I played in college. The blocking designs are very close to one another, since both run the West Coast system. Some plays, in fact, are the same. Casey Rabach, the starting center, has been helping me too.”


The Redskins are well known to hold practices in front of the public. Since you are a local man, do you look forward to this?

Edwin : “Yes I do. I am sure many of my family and friends will consider attending, but I have a job to accomplish. I can always see family after practice, because I live about five minutes from where we practice. My goal is to try to help the team win, but I think it is great Mr. Snyder allows the fans see the team practice.”



I would like to thank Edwin Williams for his time, and wish him nothing but the best. The Redskins have themselves a very smart, grounded, and intense leader. Hopefully Edwin will always stay healthy and happy. I am certain he will help the Redskins for many years, and this hometown hero has everything you look for in an NFL player.

When A Name Is Not Just Words Part Two

Part one, I told you about Fair Hooker.

In 1960, the San Francisco 49ers drafted a few colorfully named men. Tight End Monty Stickles, who went on the play with the AFL Los Angeles Chargers instead, and Goose Gonsoulin, who went on to set records as a Safety with the Denver Broncos in the AFL.

They also drafted:


ROD BREEDLOVE

Rod was a 3rd round pick, and the 35th player chosen overall. He was a star Linebacker at the University of Maryland. He grew up in Cumberland, Maryland.

Maybe it was due to this fact that the Washington Redskins acquired his services after the draft. He played right away. Rod picked off 3 passes for 67 yards in his rookie year. He swiped 2 the next, then 3 more in 1962. He also pounced on 3 fumbles, and was named to his only Pro Bowl Team that season. Breedlove picked off one pass the following year, then none in 1964. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers before the 1965 season. He played there until 1967, and intercepted 2 balls and recovered 4 fumbles in the 39 games he suited up for the Steelers. He then retired.


Maybe it was fate that prevented Rod Breedlove from being a 49er? I imagine that, with his name in an era of free love that was prevalent in San Fracisco during the 60's, that he would have been quite popular out there. Maybe he was in DC? For more than being a hometown hero too.


Regardless, Rod Breedlove certainly has one of the most unique names in all of sports history.


He had an excellent career in sports as well.